The automotive world waited decades for a mid-engine Corvette and finally got it in 2020. Now look where we are: 2026 will be the C8’s seventh model year. There are no significant engine changes in store (as of this moment), but the Vette’s interior has been completely overhauled.
The 2020-2025 Corvette’s interior, with its central rising strip of HVAC controls that divided the driver and passenger, had a visual drama to it that matched the flashy exterior. But that signature characteristic wasn’t popular with everyone.
Now there’s a grab handle between the two seats, but there’s an open area below it with a wireless charging pad. The layout of the center console was completely redesigned. The HVAC controls were moved to the bottom of the larger 12.7-inch display for the infotainment system, which features Google Built-in that enables occupants to use voice commands to open the updated Performance Data Recorder and operate other features. The drive mode selector was redesigned and placed in front of the controls for the eight-speed dual-clutch automatic. Even the cup holders were changed to an open configuration with hand-wrapped inserts, ambient lighting, and crossed flags at the bottom.
Like the main infotainment screen, the display for the digital instrument cluster was enlarged and now spans 14 inches diagonally. According to Chevrolet, “Tour, Sport and Track display designs have … been modernized with new animations and cleaner graphics for the speedometer, tachometer, and other gauges.” To the left of that is a new-for-2026 configurable 6.6-inch touchscreen display that shows information such as trip mileage and the Performance Traction Management settings; those now include a new PTM Pro mode that shuts off stability and traction control while leaving ABS and certain E-Ray-specific front axle controls running.
In addition to two new exterior colors (Roswell Green Metallic and Blade Silver Metallic), there are also new interior color schemes: Sky Cool and Medium Ash Gray with Habanero accents, Santorini Blue, Very Dark Atmosphere, and Ultimate Suede with Adrenaline Red, Santorini Blue, or Competition Yellow accent stitching and matching seat belts. For the first time ever, the Corvette can be ordered with asymmetrical interior colors (Jet Black and Adrenaline Red)—and seats. Chevrolet says, “Customers can even spec a mixed seating option in Asymmetrical Adrenaline Red, with a racing-inspired Adrenaline Red Competition driver’s seat and a Jet Black GT2 passenger seat.”
To top it all off (literally), Chevrolet now offers an optional electrochromic roof panel, which can be set to full, medium, or low tint with the push of a button.
Other changes to the Corvette lineup for 2026 include carbon ceramic brakes with 10-piston front and six-piston rear calipers for the ZR1’s ZTK performance package and the E-Ray’s Performance App being made available on all C8 models.
What do you think of the 2026 Corvette’s new cockpit? Will you miss the old layout? Tell us in the comments below.
